Word Counts and Choosing the Right Format: Part 1

 

The Breakdown of Word Counts

When you're starting to write a story, one of the first questions you'll face is how long it should be. The length of your story isn't just about word count—it's about the structure, pacing, and depth that will best suit the tale you want to tell. In this first part of our mini-series on word counts and formats, we'll break down the different categories, from short stories to epics, and provide examples to illustrate how each fits within its typical word count range.

Short Stories: Definition and Typical Word Count (1,000-7,500 words)

Short stories are the simplest and most focused form of storytelling. They typically range from 1,000 to 7,500 words and are ideal for capturing a single idea, emotion, or event. Short stories often focus on one or two characters and a single conflict or theme, making them perfect for delivering a powerful punch in a compact package.

Example:

• “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson (3,773 words): This classic short story uses its brief length to deliver a shocking and thought-provoking narrative. The limited word count forces the story to be tightly woven and direct, leaving a lasting impact on readers.

When to choose a short story: If you have a clear, concise idea that can be explored within a limited scope, a short story might be the best format. It's also an excellent choice for exploring a single theme or experimenting with style without committing to a longer project.

Novelettes: What They Are and Their Word Count Range (7,500-17,500 words)

A novelette falls between a short story and a novella. It typically ranges from 7,500 to 17,500 words, allowing for more character development and plot complexity than a short story, but without the breadth of a novella or novel. Novelettes are ideal for stories that require a bit more room to breathe but don't necessarily need the extended length of a full novella.

Example:

• “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka (about 12,000 words): This famous story is often categorized as a novelette. Kafka uses the additional length to delve deeper into the protagonist's transformation and its effects on his family, creating a more nuanced and layered narrative than a short story might allow.

When to choose a novelette: If your story has a bit more depth or complexity but still feels too short for a novella, a novelette might be the perfect middle ground. This format is also great for serialized fiction or when you want to explore a more detailed plot or character arc without committing to a full-length novel.

Novellas: Purpose and Word Count Range (17,500-40,000 words)

Novellas provide a more substantial narrative experience than novelettes, typically ranging from 17,500 to 40,000 words. They offer enough space to develop characters and plotlines more fully, allowing for greater exploration of themes and relationships. Novellas are often focused and intense, delivering a complete story in a format that's more accessible than a novel.

Example:

• “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck (about 30,000 words): Steinbeck’s novella is a powerful example of how much can be achieved within a relatively short length. The novella's concise structure allows for deep character development and exploration of themes like friendship and loss.

When to choose a novella: Consider writing a novella if your story requires more development than a short story or novelette but doesn't have the breadth or scope for a full novel. Novellas are particularly effective for stories with a tight focus on a particular event or relationship.

Novels: Standard Word Count Expectations (40,000+ words)

Novels are the most common and widely recognized format for long-form storytelling. They typically start at around 40,000 words, with many novels falling between 60,000 and 100,000 words. A novel allows for extensive world-building, multiple character arcs, and intricate plot developments. It's the format where writers can fully explore their creativity and deliver a rich, immersive experience for readers.

Examples:

• “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald (47,094 words): This shorter novel still packs a punch, offering a fully realized world with complex characters and themes.
• “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee (100,338 words): A more standard-length novel, this book uses its extended word count to weave together multiple themes and character arcs, creating a deep and resonant narrative.

When to choose a novel: If your story requires multiple plotlines, significant character development, or extensive world-building, a novel is likely the best choice. Novels provide the space to explore complex themes and create a fully immersive experience for your readers.

Epics: When to Go Beyond the Typical Novel Length (100,000+ words)

Epics are the grand, sweeping narratives that go beyond the length of a typical novel, often exceeding 100,000 words. These stories encompass vast worlds, numerous characters, and complex, multi-layered plots. Epics are usually associated with genres like fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction, where the extended word count allows for detailed world-building and intricate storylines.

Examples:

• “War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy (587,287 words): This monumental novel is a prime example of an epic, covering a vast array of characters, settings, and themes over an extended period.
• “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien (481,103 words): This epic fantasy trilogy is known for its detailed world-building, rich history, and complex character arcs, all of which are made possible by its extended length.

When to choose an epic: If your story requires a grand scale with multiple interconnected plotlines, a large cast of characters, and extensive world-building, an epic might be the best format. However, epics require a significant commitment from both the writer and the reader, so they should be chosen carefully.